Symbolic burning of 'Mangalsutra' in Kerala

Kochi, May 10: Protesting against moral policing and religious strictures against expression of love, a cultural group burnt a symbolic 'Thali' (mangalsutra) at nearby Fort Kochi.

The protest by activists of 'Njattuvela' cultural workers forum, took place at Fort Kochi yesterday, amidst heavy police presence.

About 100 activists, including women, took out a procession from Fort Kochi bus stand and gathered at the Vasco da Gama square where a huge 'mangalsutra' made of paper and firecrackers stuffed in it, was burnt.

Swapnesh Nanu, secretary of the forum said the event was held to 'free love from the shackles of institutionalisation'.

"Love is not something which can be confined in the institution of heterosexual marriage, made holy and perfect by the 'thali', an activist said.

It can also happen between same genders and even outside marriage. This protest comes close on the heels of the 'Kiss of Love', a kissing agitation launched by some activists against moral policing in November last year in various parts of Kerala which later spread to other states.